Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Explore the desert from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, with the Grand Canyon in between.

From the staggeringly fast pace of Las Vegas to the tranquillity of the Zion National Park, this trip journeys through some of the most incredible natural formations on the west coast. Walk amid the hoodoos in Boulder, Utah, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon, ride horses through the canyons in Boulder Mountain, sit by a Navajo campfire in Monument Valley and enjoy the stark desert backdrop of Joshua Tree National Park. Finish this desert-flavoured adventure in style with a night in the ‘City of Angels’, where you can shop on Rodeo Drive (or try to spot a Kardashian) in Los Angeles.

Why we love this trip

From flashy Las Vegas to the red cliffs of Zion National Park and the distinctive hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, discover a huge diversity of American landscapes in a relatively short amount of time

Far from the bright lights of the city, Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch offers magical views of the night sky and a tranquil retreat from the rest of the world. Enjoy two nights of comfort, hospitality and delicious home-cooked on the ranch

Due to popular demand, see the mountains, cactus gardens and lush oases of Joshua Tree National Park. As you'll be staying nearby, there's plenty of time to explore the area without feeling rushed

Discover Utah's iconic Monument Valley by jeep and then share stories and a meal by the campfire with members of the largest tribe in the USA, the Navajo

Unlike on most trips, you'll spend two nights in the spectacular Grand Canyon so there's enough time to explore properly. See the canyon up close on a variety of hikes or take a helicopter flight overhead

Is this trip right for you?

The regions visited on this trip can experience extremes in weather and temperature. Bryce Canyon is deceptively unpredictable and can drop in temperature to the point of snow flurries, while Zion National Park down the road is generally hot and sunny. Please be prepared for all weather conditions, especially if travelling outside of the July/August summer months. Bring layers of warm clothing and sun protection and ensure you drink plenty of water.

The accommodation at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch is mixed. Some of the group may stay in the main house, while others might be in cabins outside or even in a teepee. Some rooms also have outdoor bathrooms. Your leader will manage rooming so that people who aren't comfortable with outdoor bathrooms receive rooms inside.

As you'll be travelling in a van with a full group of people and their luggage, conditions can feel quite cramped. This is all part of the adventure, however, and you may even meet some long-term friends.

Gallery

Itinerary

Welcome to the USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

As there's a great deal to do in Las Vegas, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of this exciting city. Try your luck on the casino floors, hit the shops, soak up the glitz and gaudiness of the strip or catch one of the many shows on offer.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Roller Coaster - Las Vegas - USD14

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Today, travel across the border into Utah and the spectacular landscapes of Zion National Park (approximately three hours). There's a variety of trails to choose from and you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore among the park's soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Warm up with a gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools. Continue onto the upper end of the pools, passing a waterfall on the way to Zion's 'beach'. If you're feeling ambitious, perhaps enjoy the park's most famous challenge: Angels Landing. After a strenuous hike along the narrow ridge of the cliffs, you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the red landscape. Please be aware that this isn't for the faint-hearted and requires a moderate level of fitness.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Zion National Park

Optional Activities

Zion National Park Hikes - Free

Narrows Hiking Gear Rental - USD25

River Tubing (seasonal) - USD15

Meals Included

In the morning drive to Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have time for a short hike. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have formed the park's distinctive hoodoos - uniquely shaped rock spires rising out of the red desert. Continue onto Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, where you'll be staying for the next two nights. Today's total driving time will be about four to five hours. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner with the group on the ranch and use the rest of the night to relax.

Accommodation

Ranchstay (1 night)

Included Activities

Bryce Canyon National Park

Optional Activities

Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes - Free

Meals Included

Today is a free day to enjoy at the ranch. After breakfast, perhaps take an optional horse ride or go for a hike in the surrounding Dixie Forest. Otherwise just relax on the veranda and take in the breathtaking scenery. Breakfast and dinner are included at the ranch and are sure to be a highlight. There is a kitchen on site and they specialise in (large) locally-sourced organic meals made from scratch.

Accommodation

Optional Activities

Meals Included

In the morning make the six-hour drive to the spectacular Monument Valley. There may be time to visit the cliffs, canyons and domes of Capitol Reef National Park on the way.

Monument Valley is the biggest Indian reservation in the USA, the valley is home to more than 200,000 enrolled members of the Navajo Tribe. Explore the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert, witnessing the ever-changing colour of the landscape. In the evening, travel by jeep through the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. Join the local tribespeople for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to their traditional songs and stories.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee

Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner

Meals Included

In the morning, make the 3-4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. This a real highlight of the trip, so you'll be spending two nights here. Perhaps take a stroll along the South Rim Trail or hike to Plateau Point. There's plenty to see and do during your time here.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Grand Canyon National Park

Meals Included

Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of optional activities to take part in - your leader will provide you with the details. Take a hike around the canyon or if you're feeling extra adventurous, opt for a helicopter flight over the area. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD244

Helicopter flight (45 mins) - USD295

Grand Canyon hiking - Free

IMAX movie - USD15

Meals Included

In the morning, take the long drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 7-8 hours). Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is home to striking rock formations, many species of cacti and varied desert wildlife such as coyotes, lizards and bighorn sheep. Spend the night in a nearby hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Joshua Tree National Park

Meals Included

After breakfast, take the short (approximately three hours) drive to Los Angeles. On arrival in the afternoon, go on a half-day Urban Adventure sightseeing tour of LA with the group. The rest of the day is free to as you please. Perhaps take a stroll around the streets of Hollywood and Beverley Hills, or head to Venice Beach for a dose of sea, sand and eccentric boardwalk characters. It can get really busy at the beach, so watch out for skaters, bikes and skateboarders speeding past.

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Nicole McFarlane

Yvonne Lynes

I have always really enjoyed travelling with Intrepid. Whether travelling solo or with friends, it allowed me to make the most of my holiday time by having great itineraries, great accommodation and terrific guides and fellow travellers. The balance of free time and recommended and optional activities also customises the trip to what I want.

Review submitted 29 Nov 2016

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